Diabetes is a chronic health disease, with millions of people suffering from it the world over. It happens when the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin that it produces effectively, causing high levels of blood sugar (glucose). If you don’t manage diabetes correctly it can lead to serious health conditions so managing your blood sugar levels effectively is essential to avoid complications. This article will discuss the available types of diabetes and their reasons, risk factors that could lead to this condition, lists some facts about diabetes treatment to prevent affected people from having a tough life in order to live, Balanced Life [1].
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism that results in the use of blood sugar (glucose) by the body. When we eat, carbohydrates are digested into glucose which is the primary source of energy. Insulin is a hormone generated by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter our cells and be utilized for energy. Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, or cannot use it effectively, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
Long term high blood sugar levels will lead to serious health complications, including damage to your blood vessels, nerves and organs. There are 3 main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Causes, risk factors, and management are different for each type.
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and killing the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Consequently, the amount of insulin produced by the body is very small or none at all and therefore Type 1 diabetics must have daily injections of insulin (or an insulin infusion via a pump) to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Although most often diagnosed in children and young adults, type 1 diabetes can appear at any age.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Types — Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 2) — The most common type is thought to result from a failure of insulin to act on tissues. In the long-term, it could cause the pancreas to secrete less insulin as well, which results in an increase in blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is also influenced by lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity and obesity but there are also a genetic component involved. Although type 2 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in adults, increasing rates of obesity mean it is also being observed at younger ages.
- Gestational Diabetes: In some women, diabete forms during pregnancy (gestational diabete). Although it typically goes away after the woman gives birth, it raises the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes in the future for both mother and child (when affected).
Causes and Risk Factors
The specific cause of diabete depends on its type.
- Type 1 Diabetes Causes and Risk Factors:
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Though Type 1 diabetes isn’t really understood, it is thought to be an autoimmune reaction caused by genetic and environmental factors.
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A family history is major; those with a parent or sibling who has Type 1 diabete have an increased chance.
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- Type 2 Diabetes Causes and Risk Factors:
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Type 2 Diabetes is often associated with lifestyle and related to processed foods, excess sugar consumption and sedentary living.
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Obesity is the biggest risk factor; excess body fat, especially around the abdomen promotes insulin resistance.
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Additional risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing diabete are: Age (45 years or older) Family history of diabete Ethnicity — some ethnic groups have an increased prevalence of diabete, including African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian populations Health problems such as high blood pressure and/or beautiful cholesterol
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- Gestational Diabetes Causes and Risk Factors:
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The body becomes more insulin-resistant during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
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Being overweight before pregnancy, having gestational diabete in a previous pregnancy and having a family history of Type 2 diabetes are risk factors.
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Symptoms of Diabetes
Depending on the kind and degree of diabete, symptoms can differ but include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
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Cuts and Bruises are taking longer to heal
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Loss of weight without working for it (especially in Type 1 diabetes)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get tested, and seek a healthcare professional — Novo Health Networks team will be more than happy to help.
Diagnosing Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabete is made using one or more tests that measure the amount of sugar in your blood.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: And measures blood glucose in a 12 hour overnight fast.
- A1C Test: An indication of average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test checks your blood sugar before and after you drink a beverage that contains glucose.
If a test result is abnormal on one or more of these, it may point to either diabete, or prediabetes (high blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be classified as diabete).
Managing Diabetes
The goal of diabetes management is to keep within range and to stave off complications. Here are some key factors that ensure diabete management:
- Healthy Diet: A diet including whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats should characteristic vast quantities of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. As carbs (of any type) have a direct bearing on blood sugars, if someone wants good control then managing the amount of food put in at one go is essential whilst favouring complex over refined starches.
- Regular Physical Activity: Exercise also increases insulin sensitivity, which lowers blood sugar levels. It’s better to do some activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or strength training. At least150 min of moderate activity per week, or at the discretion of a medical professional.
- Medication and Insulin Therapy: Type 1 diabetics always need insulin, while Type 2 may be put on pills to increase sensitivity or even help the liver through a process called gluconeogenesis. In addition, some Type 2 diabetics may need insulin if lifestyle changes and oral medications don,t do the job.
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Checking blood glucose levels periodically provides insight on how our body reacts to food, stress, exercise and medicine. Each person has their own blood sugar goals,
- Stress Management: Minimising stress — Stress can raise blood glucose levels, so finding ways of reducing stress (mindfulness practices?, deep breaths?, hobbies?) can help!
- Avoiding Smoking and Limiting Alcohol: Diabete-related complications, such as heart disease and stroke, are more likely to occur in those who smoke. Alcohol can send blood sugar crashing up and down so it should be limited, if not avoided altogether.
Preventing Complications
Good someone who has someone who has diabete management is important to prevent complications: cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and eye disorders. Checking the blood sugar regularly followed by regular medical check-ups and dealing with a healthy lifestyle can minimize the complications effectively and thus intermittently increase life role.
Conclusion
Living with diabete is a ongoing, multifaceted matter that needs continual management but if regulated accuratelly and accompanied by healthy living — lots of individuals with diabetic issues are able to enjoy total lifestyles. The key is awareness, education and support because that will help them manage the disease and prevent its complications. The steps of doing a healthy diet plan, exercising regularly, maintaining blood glucose levels within the upper limit, and following the advice of doctors are some ways to reduce someone who has someone who has diabete mellitus.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism that results in the use of blood sugar (glucose) by the body. When we eat, carbohydrates are digested into glucose which is the primary source of energy.
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